And yes, the Olympus OMD EM5 MK II is a pretty awesome camera so far. As of my typing this article up, I’ve been playing with it for less than eight hours–but it’s enough for us to state that the camera is very impressive.

So what’s new with this camera? Updated autofocus which re-asserts Olympus’s dominance amongst ILC cameras, focus peaking, a 40MP image mode that requires the stillest of still scenes. WiFi integration, new ergonomics, better weather sealing with the addition of gaskets placed under the hot shoe, many more function buttons, a new twisting vari-angle LCD screen, five stops of image stabilization according to CIPA testing, and most of all new video features such as 60p recording and the ability to shoot in All-I and IPB. There is no 4K recording, but Olympus tells us that they instead focused on trying to give as great of an experience as they can with 1080p.

With (GUI* is shown on connected device only, and peaking function is not available when connected by HDMI.)
*GUI can be hidden on the connected device by pressing down on INFO button for recording an external drive under the following condition. Movie quality: YCbCr 4:2:2 / Frame rate: same as movie setting (24p, 30p and 60p settings are not recommended.) / Sound recording: not available

Equivalent to 40M pixel sensor (8 shots combined into a single JPEG using sensor shift)
*Available in P/A/S/M mode, RAW+JPEG or JPEG.
*JPEG: 7296 x 5472 / RAW: 9216 x 6912
*RAW data can be developed in-camera. Development by PC is possible with the appropriate plug-in.

Approx. 310 shots (using BLN-1 and TOSHIBA SD with IS ON, based on CIPA test standards)
Approx. 750 shots (using BLN-1 and TOSHIBA SD with IS ON and Quick Sleep Mode ON, based on Olympus testing using CIPA test standards)

Ergonomics

The Olympus OMD EM5 MK II in many ways is different from the OMD EM5 original when it comes to the ergonomics. We start our tour with the front of the camera where we immediately see a different set of exposure dials, a PC sync port, and a slightly enhanced grip.

From this view, they didn’t touch it much–and we’re okay with that.

Move to the top, and you start to see lots of differences. There are now a plethora of function buttons, the dials have been enhanced, and there is a lot more going on.

The back of the OMD EM5 Mk II is enhanced with different buttons, the switch from the EM1 and a vari-angle flip out screen.

This screen works in a totally different way from the original EM5. To be honest, I prefer the original. However, this screen makes it easier for video shooters.

Olympus is also introducing a new grip for the camera if users want to work with said grip. We personally find it superfluous.

VS the EM5

Looking top down, the EM5 Mk II (left) has received lots of enhancements over the first version. Where the first version emphasized simplicity Olympus now adds steroids, beef, and bacon. Lots of bacon.

But when looking at the cameras from the front, you don’t see all that much of a difference.

Build Quality

In our initial meeting with Olympus about the product, we saw a mockup of the weather sealing. What impressed us the most is that in some ways it seems to be better sealed than the EM1 due to the gasket under the hot shoe. However, Olympus still recommends using a hot shoe cap with the camera when shooting in inclement conditions.

Otherwise, what we’re really hyped about that Olympus has maintained is probably the little things: a nice thumb rest that feels like an old shutter advance wheel, nice clicky dials, a small grip that truly reminds of the retro SLR experience, and the inclusion of a PC Sync port. The last one is completely random and almost no one uses PC cables anymore when firing flashes.

Autofocus

One of the best autofocus tests that we’ve done so far has to do with photographing dolphins here in Bermuda–where we’re stationed with many other journalists testing the camera in a variety of situations.

Capturing dolphins with the 12-40mm f2.8 and 40-150mm f2.8 was a breeze once we stopped the lenses down a bit–but even so it wasn’t too terrible when they were both wide open. Due to the four thirds sensor, f2.8 renders the equivalent of f5.6 on a full frame camera.

When locking the autofocus, it’s pretty spot on and it can be tough to miss a shot, though there were indeed times where it wouldn’t focus correctly. All in all though, these moments were quite rare.

Image Quality

40MP image. This image isn’t the best example because the water was moving. But the stationary elements are sharper than many things that we’ve seen.

Before we get onto the images, we all know that what you want to see is the 40MP image. And it’s right above with no editing; we just added our watermark.

As for the image quality, we’ve only worked with the JPEGs so far because that’s all that’s supported. But the JPEGs are so vivid, rich, and beautiful that this may truly be the first camera that I wouldn’t mind not shooting RAW with.

This is coming from a guy trained at Magnum, a former photojournalist, wedding photographer, and fashion/portrait shooter. Yes, they’re really that good. Of course, I’d never do that for a real gig unless it were paying a very low rate, but the image quality is super solid and reminds me of Kodak Ektachrome–the film that I many times dream of and mourn its loss.

Even More Image Samples

First Impressions

So far, we’re really pleased with the OMD EM5 MK II. But as we said, we’ve only worked with it for around eight hours. The autofocus is the most solid I’ve seen from any camera, the JPEG engine is jaw dropping, the feel is nostalgic, and this is probably all the camera you’ll need in today’s digitally connected world.

Stay tuned for more to come. But let us know what questions you have in the comments and we will try to get back to them.